Oscar-winning filmmaker Giuseppe Tornatore was recently in India for the special premiere of his acclaimed film Cinema Paradiso. It was part of an Italian film festival titled ‘Cinema Italian Style – Celebrating Tornatore and the Masters of Italian Cinema’ organized by the Film Heritage Foundation, Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Mumbai and several partners.

During his stay, Tornatore spoke briefly to India Today Digital about how the iconic film is loved by cinephiles and drew parallels between the Indian and Italian styles of filmmaking.

When the Academy Award winning film Cinema Paradiso was screened in Mumbai, it received a lot of love from film lovers. The filmmaker expressed surprise, saying that it is a “mystery” to him how people continue to enjoy watching the film.

“It’s a miracle that people still talk about it 40 years later. I’m often amazed when young people, who weren’t even born during its release, come up to me to discuss the film. I think this restoration is so important in today’s times. It is the language of images that is most important, and I am very grateful. I’m honored that the Film Heritage Foundation is working so closely on this,” Tornatore said.

Sharing that this was his first visit to India, the Oscar winner mentioned that he has always been attracted to this country. He shared that he explored Mumbai and captured people on the street.

He said, “One week wasn’t really enough to feel the culture and atmosphere, and I hope to come back soon.”

Tornatore further explained that he felt a sense of belonging as he walked around the city, noticing how the two countries had many similarities. “The crowd, the energy was just like my city. Felt like I was at home. I really feel that both countries have similar energy and that makes me very happy,” he said.

Comparing the two countries’ taste in films and filmmaking, he said, “The love for realism is something that I found in common in films made in India and Italy. I remember watching Satyajit Ray’s films and instantly falling in love. It was about a world no one knew about, but the approach was so close to the Italian filmmakers that worlds may be different, but there was a familiar connection in the approach, and I think that’s still true today. It is made.”

The acclaimed director mentioned how much he loved watching The Last Film Show (Chhello Show) a year ago. Pan Nalin’s Gujarati film, as readers may know, was India’s entry to the Oscars in 2023: “It’s a story inspired by Cinema Paradiso, and I loved the tribute the Indian director paid to my film.”

When asked if he had any advice for young and emerging filmmakers, Giuseppe Tornatore said, “Work on stories that you absolutely love; never make a film for strategy. Follow your heart. Listen to it, and it will lead you on the right path. Also, even if your movie is not successful but you liked the story, you will be able to stand in front of the mirror and look into your eyes, and it is not successful. , you will feel disappointed from all sides.”

Sharing his next aspirations, the filmmaker admitted that he is working on a film and will start shooting for it next year.

He said, “I can’t tell much about it because I believe in keeping my films and their stories safe. I will talk about it only after the shooting is completed.”